Rescue tech Mike Thompson was honored as Griffin’s March 2011 Strongest Link.

Griffin Fire-Rescue Chief Tommy Jones nominated Thompson and presented the award. Jones said Thompson has stepped up to provide leadership on his shift and taken on many additional projects.

On his days off, Jones said, Thompson speaks to students about fire prevention and is also a member of the department’s honor guard.

“When he is on duty,” Jones said, “he is on the entire 24 hours.”

Thompson has taken on administrative tasks during the medical absence of the secretary, Jones said.

“He is a future leader with our department,” Jones said.

Thompson is a Navy veteran and has been with the department since leaving the Navy.

The Stongest Link award is a monthly award given to a deserving city employee who has demonstrated excellent performance and productivity, loyalty, professional pride and other noteworthy accomplishments. The recognized employee receives one day off with pay, a gift certificate to a local restaurant, a “Strongest Link” plaque and the symbolic chain, which he will be the custodian of until a subsequent employee is recognized.